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One Million Americans Live Without A Functioning Colon

Each year about 150,000 Americans develop colon cancer and that's why ideastream is presenting a series of reports and programs on WCPN and WVIZ-PBS this week. It's part of our ongoing effort to provide health information that can save lives. If caught early, most colon cancer patients survive. Some, however, live with a long-term side-effect -- the necessity for a colostomy because of a failed colon. Tom Fuerst of Shaker Heights tells ideastream®'s Eric Wellman what it's like to live with bag attached to his abdomen that collects bodily waste.

ideastream® is a not-for-profit multiple-media public service organization serving the communities of Northeast Ohio and based in Cleveland, Ohio. ideastream’s mission is to strengthen our communities.